Head of International School

Purpose of Role

To provide leadership, direction, and coordination within the international school with the primary focus on developing and maintaining effective educational programmes, and to promote the improvement of teaching and learning in preschool, primary, and secondary schools.

ISP Principles

1. Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
2. Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
3. Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
4. Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students, and our schools.
5. Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

APIS Head of International School Key Responsibilities

• To uphold the school’s vision, mission, and core values.
• To be an experienced head in overseeing the preschool, primary, and secondary schools.
• To be part of the school’s leadership team.
• To contribute to the school’s strategic development and annual development plans.
• To have sound knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and International Primary Curriculum, curriculum development, and current educational thinking in all phases of the school.
• To have sound knowledge of the International Primary Curriculum.
• To possess excellent knowledge and experience of assessment and tracking to inform student progress, including the use of standardised tests to impact learning.
• To lead and support the school’s appraisal system.
• To have a good understanding of data management systems.
• To be able to manage a budget effectively.
• To be an excellent practitioner.
• To contribute to the wider school community to raise the school’s profile.
• Manage middle leaders in developing a professional culture amongst all staff at the school.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified teacher status.
• Possess relevant bachelor’s degree. National professional qualification for headship (NPQH) or postgraduate qualification in education/leadership and management is desirable.
• Minimum three (3) years of successful leadership and management experience in a school.
• Successful teaching experience as indicated in relevant references.
• Involvement in school self-evaluation and development planning.
• Demonstrable experience of successful line management and staff development.
• Data analysis skills, and the ability to use data to set targets and identify weaknesses.
• Understanding of high-quality teaching based on evidence, and the ability to model this for others and support others to improve.
• Understanding of school finances and financial management.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate a vision and inspire others.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.
• Computer literate with good interpersonal communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

• Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
• Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supporting others in their continual learning, development, and growth.
• Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
• Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
• Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
• Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
• Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose, and Principles.
• Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages, and inspires students, colleagues, and teams so that they give their best.
• Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.
• Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences, and inspires students, parents, and colleagues through timely and effective communication.
• Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.
• Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.
• Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises, and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
• Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness, and skill to understand values, behaviours, attitudes, and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references, and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.